Religion in the workplace

[Whatothink]

For the last month we have been sent messages email, background screens and management briefings for a particular religion.

the following messages to

”showing visible support,
encouraging meaningful conversations, and deepening our understanding of the experiences of those of observences”

as well as being told to be considered with meetings etc and thoughtful and supportive!!!

Offended that bosses are prepared to ask for mindfulness around Ramadan?

You know, so you don't forget and waltz into the office with free cakes for everyone and start wafting a viccy sponge under people's noses?

Takes someone truly special to be offended by a reminder.

Or just, you know, one of those GB News types.

Totally agree. Would p entirely inappropriate to ask a meeting to hold silence so I could pray for the meeting, whether or not I was asking them join in. Where as me taking a minute prior to the meeting, to pray silently at my desk or in the corridor etc is fine as I'm not including anyone else in that.

Has op said that they are a Christian? A few posters are doing a compare and contrast with Christian celebrations but I can't see where the op has specified their own religion. Could be Hindu, Sikh, Mormon, athiest or any of the many and fascinating religions, so badgering them about Christianity seems a bit unfair.

And actually the comparison is not correct as whether people like it or not, we are a Christian country. Hence the Christian bank holidays and cultural observances of the sabbath day, and Easter and Christmas.

But does kind of illustrate the disparity in treatment of religions - there's no need for sensitivity when it comes to the Christian faith...

All religion should be kept out of the workplace.

The irony is that every Muslim I've ever met - and I've lived near and taught a lot, plus friends - love Christmas.

They're up for the carols and the decs and the markets - all of it.

But a bit of a prayer and a request to be mindful about a Muslim religious period and Christians are supposed to be offended?

Ridiculous.

And don't bother with the 'Christian country' rubbish. We are not a Christian country, we are a majority agnostic country.

Lots of christians abstain through lent no email get sent out about that

You would hate my work op, we have no chocolate biscuits because it’s Lent. Being considerate and understanding of others is a good thing, you don’t need to have long meaningful conversations about their religion but acknowledging that they fasting and considering that it might not be the appropriate month for a bring and share lunch or office bake sale is what we should do to be friendly and understanding.

I agree.

I also agree religion kept out of it.its quite hard when the lack of sleep affects colleges for a month.

I feel asking people to respect a sky fairy should also mention ..please respect the people who don't believe the sky fairy

It’s pretty normal in a workplace in a culture that is nominally Christian-based to get reminders and explanations of other religious observances. Ramadan, Diwali etc. the vast majority of people will already have an idea of what Easter and Christmas are about, and so the information tends to focus on less widely-known (in this country) religious observances.

I’m very surprised this is the first time it’s happened.

@tutugogo that goes two ways to people who don't believe in sky fairies.

Religion has no place in the workplace, other than reasonable accommodation under the Equality Act.

That will be because the UK is majority Christian so people generally understand its customs, even if they are not practising. No email needed. Muslims on the other hand account for only 6% of the population. The racism towards Muslims that is daily on display in this country makes the case for communications that promote understanding and tolerance.

Do give us some examples of lack of sleep affecting colleagues.

'Sky fairy' - I've always found this oh so original put down quite sweet and endearing - it's so at odds with the God Christians actually believe in 😄

I have never received any such reminder, in a long career.

While I would have welcomed reminders of upcoming significant festivals, so I could provide timely salutations for my colleagues, the patronising guff the OP has received would have been less useful.

why do people trust in religion so much ?

A question that needs its own thread 🙂

thats true but then id need a shield and it would soon be took down, yes first and foremost each to their own and respect and all that what im puzzled with was if you take jesus and his merry band of people and put them in todays society how long would it be before people would assume they need medical treatment etc so why then do we have so much faith in their stories etc ?

I LOVE hearing about people's faith and culture at work. Wished lots of people happy holi the other day. Love hearing about all the different Jewish holidays. I know Ramadan isn't a holiday, but I think its a beautiful observance. Admire everyone who gave up a luxury for lent. I have no faith myself, but learn so much from people who do. Like my old boss who used to say "I spoke to someone earlier who said they loved you! Do you know who it was? Jesus!" I thought that was a lovely thing to say!

@IdaGlossop id really love to but it's far to outing

Have you taken this up with your HR department?

What a shame. Whatever has happened, I imagine the same thing could have happened in the case of any sleep-deprived parent with a small child.